Pope's words generated ironic response

October 03, 2006

I am neither condoning nor condemning what Pope Benedict XVI said in one of his speeches recently that seems to have the entire Muslim world in an uproar. But I am quite confused about what some Muslims are saying. A statement I read on the Comcast.net Web site, issued by a group calling itself Jamaat al-Dawat, stated that the West must "change its stance regarding Islam (or) it will face severe consequences." OK, I am really confused on that one. Would that be like saying: "You had better agree with us that Islam is a peaceful religion or we'll beat you up"? Can someone please help me out on this one?

Woodrow BaileyGoshen

Choices So now we hear U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola, R-Bristol, complaining that the congressman's being punished at the polls for the governor's poor policies, and that he actually didn't have anything to do with Major Moves and the time change. But that's exactly the problem. Where was our congressional representative when we, the people of his own district, were getting politically kicked in the teeth by a governor who doesn't even bother to conceal his disdain for the people of Michiana? Oh yeah: Chocola was in Washington, handing out our tax money to drug companies and war profiteers. Chocola thought it was perfectly acceptable for the federal government to intervene in the Terri Schiavo affair, yet when asked about Major Moves, an issue that directly affects the everyday lives of his constituents, he flippantly answered he had no role in this discussion, playing the states' rights card to keep from doing his job and representing the voters. Meanwhile, who was looking out for us? Chocola made his choice when he chose to stand by and do nothing. Now it's time for us to make ours.

Derek S. WebbSouth Bend

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Good news Regarding The Tribune's announcement that it will have cut-off dates for candidate letters: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I don't suppose the paper would consider making those dates a couple of weeks earlier? What welcome news, and on behalf of soooooo many of us, please accept our gratitude.

Janet DoyleMishawaka

Listen up I recently saw state Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Lakeville, on TV. She said she wanted to talk to all the school corporations in her district before making a decision about full-day kindergarten. How refreshing that she would consult her constituency. What a novel idea. What she failed to state was that afterward, she would vote the way Gov. Mitch Daniels wanted. She's good at that.

William J. BironMishawaka

Vandals The nasty vandalism of "Get Out" painted on my house previously and now "Move Out" painted on my garage is not about townspeople expressing views about freedom or liberty, but about the intolerance of the Vinedressers cult, which seeks to "prune the vine" or get rid of those who do not agree with the cult members and their friends. This vandalism is the work of bullies and cowards. Everyone in Roseland where the cult members currently reside must ask, "Will I be the next target?" The answer is yes, if or when they think that you do not agree with them.